According to new report published by Grand View Research, the global omega 3 market will reach $3.01 billion by 2022. Growing consumer demand for omega 3 owing to its benefits for physical as well as mental wellbeing is expected to propel growth over the forecast period.

According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc.; the global omega 3 market is predicted to value USD 3.01 billion by 2022. Increasing number of people suffering from heart diseases and obesity and particularly high number of youngsters is presumed to stimulate demand for omega-3 based products over the forecast period (2012 to 2022).

Growing health awareness owing to high cases of health problems is likely to drive growth of the market in the coming years. Health benefit offered by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) such as reduced blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart attacks can stimulate market growth. Rising health concerns regarding several body functions including fertility, blood clotting, cell division can fuel growth of the market in near future. Increasing use of omega 3 in infant products owing to presence of DHA that can promote eye, nerve, and brain development is likely to foster market growth.

Growing cases of health disorders related to heart due to unbalanced lifestyle is likely to propel demand for diet and medical treatment based on omega-3 ingredients. To cater to rising demand, most researchers and companies dealing in omega-3 based products are investing in R&D to find new and innovative applications.

For instance, a team of scientists at Hiroshima University and Fukushima Medical University recently unveiled results of their new study on omega 3. According to these researchers, human aortic endothelial cells treated with EPA and DHA can show reduced DNA damage by around 47%. In addition, activation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) due to exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2o2) can also reduce by around 31 %.

Consumer response related to fish oil and its smell coupled with issues related to raw material procurement can hinder growth of the omega 3 market. In addition, lack of standardization in registration and labeling is expected to obstruct market growth in the coming years. Furthermore, stringent regulatory limitations towards use of omega-3 can also become a challenge for this market in the next few years.

However, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) derived from omega-3 obtained from plant origin for vegetarians can create lucrative opportunities for this market in the coming years. In addition, growing R&D in encapsulation technology can offer the market with growth opportunities in the near future.

The global omega 3 market can be segmented on the basis of application and region. Based on application, the market can be segregated into pharmaceuticals, infant formula, pet & animal feed, and supplements & functional foods. Based on region, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA.

In North America, the market is expected to grow at a substantial rate in the forthcoming years owing to increasing adoption of functional foods and beverages. Changing consumer lifestyle to reduce medical bills owing to recovery of pharmaceutical sector can stimulate market growth in the region. Increasing use of functional food and beverages by consumers can further fuel growth of the market.

In Europe, the market can grow due to rising health concerns and increase in per-capita disposable income. In addition, supportive regulations to use omega-3 in infant formulas and functional food owing to health benefits can drive market in the region.

In Asia Pacific, the market in anticipated to grow at a stable CAGR of 7.5% owing to high demand for infant formulations over the forecast period. In addition, high awareness regarding health benefits of omega 3 for coronary heart disorders can spur market expansion in the coming years.

In Latin America and Middle East and & Africa, the omega 3 market is likely to expand owing to rising health consciousness among people. In addition, increasing cases of health disorders related to high triglyceride level and blood pressure can fuel demand in the region. Furthermore, rising preference for healthy diet rich in omega 3 can stimulate growth of the market in these regions. High demand for functional food and supplements rich in omega 3 fatty acids can impel market expansion in the next few years.

Some of the prominent companies operating in the market for omega 3 are Pronova, Croda, BASF, DSM, and Omega Protein.

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.